The Independent | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/theindependent
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Tue, 03 Mar 2015 20:01:30 GMT2015-03-03T20:01:30Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Elton John lands Independent owner in stubble trouble for Comic Reliefhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/02/elton-john-independent-owner-comic-relief-evgeny-lebedev
<p>‘Next year, his balls’ vows singer as he shaves off Evgeny Lebedev’s hair and eyebrows for charity<br></p><p>Monkey pointed out last week that <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/26/evening-standard-proprietor-evgeny-lebedev-beard">London Evening Standard proprietor Evgeny Lebedev had lost his trademark beard</a>, linking it to the royal visit to the paper. </p><p>However, it turns out that Lebedev didn’t trim his stubble for Charles and Camiila, but in a stunt for Comic Relief’s <a href="http://www.rednoseday.com/">Red Nose Day</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/02/elton-john-independent-owner-comic-relief-evgeny-lebedev">Continue reading...</a>Evgeny LebedevLondon Evening StandardThe IndependentNational newspapersNewspapers & magazinesMediaElton JohnMusicMon, 02 Mar 2015 14:15:54 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/02/elton-john-independent-owner-comic-relief-evgeny-lebedevPhotograph: PAElton John shaves Evgeny Lebedev: a bad time for a flat battery?Photograph: PAElton John shaves Evgeny Lebedev: a bad time for a flat battery?Monkey2015-03-02T14:15:54ZAlexander Lebedev: my editors decide who papers back in general electionhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/25/independent-owner-general-election-alexander-lebedev
<p>Independent owner says he supports Labour’s mansion tax plans, but he would not interfere in the political decisions of his four UK newspapers</p><p>Independent proprietor Alexander Lebedev has said it was up to his editors to decide which political parties to back in May’s general election, but added that he supported Labour’s plan for a mansion tax so long as the money raised was “properly spent”.</p><p>In an interview with the Guardian on Tuesday, the Russian businessman said that he wouldn’t interfere in the editorial or political decisions of his four UK newspapers, the London Evening Standard, Independent, Independent on Sunday and the i. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/27/london-live-local-television-station-to-cut-third-of-staff">London Live local television station to cut third of staff</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/25/independent-owner-general-election-alexander-lebedev">Continue reading...</a>Alexander LebedevNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesIndependent on SundayiThe IndependentNational newspapersLondon Evening StandardRegional & local newspapersEvgeny LebedevLondon LiveTelevision industryGeneral election 2015PoliticsUK newsWed, 25 Feb 2015 23:02:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/25/independent-owner-general-election-alexander-lebedevPhotograph: Richard Young/Rex FeaturesFormer president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev and Alexander Lebedev in 2007.Photograph: Richard Young/Rex FeaturesFormer president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev and Alexander Lebedev in 2007.Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/ReutersAlexander Lebedev has said the editors of his UK newspapers will decide who to back in the general election, although he voiced support for Labour’s mansion tax.Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/ReutersAlexander Lebedev has said the editors of his UK newspapers will decide who to back in the general election, although he voiced support for Labour’s mansion tax.Luke Harding and Jane Martinson2015-02-25T23:02:00ZIpso names three 'lay members' of the editors' code committeehttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/23/ipso-names-three-lay-members-of-the-editors-code-committee
<p>Post-Leveson press regulator puts another brick in its wall of independence</p><p>The Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) has announced the appointment of three lay members to the editors’ code of practice committee. Here they are:</p><p><strong>Christine Elliott, </strong>chief executive of the <a href="http://www.instituteforturnaround.com/">Institute for Turnaround</a> and one-time director of <a href="http://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/content/about/">Bletchley Park</a>. She is said to have “experience of being involved in high profile media stories”.<br /></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/23/ipso-names-three-lay-members-of-the-editors-code-committee">Continue reading...</a>MediaPress regulationIpsoPress Complaints CommissionHacked Off campaignPaul DacreDaily MailThe GuardianThe IndependentFinancial TimesNational newspapersNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesPress intrusionLeveson inquiryLeveson reportJohn WitherowThe TimesGeordie GreigMail on SundayConde NastTrinity MirrorMon, 23 Feb 2015 11:37:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/23/ipso-names-three-lay-members-of-the-editors-code-committeePhotograph: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PAWinning a battle: Sir Alan Moses, chairman of Ipso.Photograph: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PAWinning a battle: Sir Alan Moses, chairman of Ipso.Roy Greenslade2015-02-23T11:37:26ZThe Independent expands its digital presence to the Stateshttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/19/the-independent-expands-its-digital-presence-to-the-states
<p>Newspaper creates ‘web office’ in New York as online traffic increases</p><p>The Independent has opened a “web office” in the United States. Andrew Buncombe, the paper’s former Washington correspondent, has become US digital editor. </p><p>He joins the current US editor, David Usborne, in New York. And, according to a press release, “a number of new positions will be added in the coming months in both the New York and London offices”.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/19/the-independent-expands-its-digital-presence-to-the-states">Continue reading...</a>MediaThe IndependentUS newsNew YorkDigital mediaNational newspapersNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesABCsThu, 19 Feb 2015 12:49:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/19/the-independent-expands-its-digital-presence-to-the-statesRoy Greenslade2015-02-19T12:49:32ZHSBC and the Daily Telegraph: allegations that require answershttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/19/hsbc-and-the-daily-telegraph-allegations-that-require-answers
<p>TMG’s blanket denial of Peter Oborne’s compelling claims is not good enough</p><p>The Telegraph Media Group’s response to Peter Oborne’s <a href="https://opendemocracy.net/ourkingdom/peter-oborne/why-i-have-resigned-from-telegraph">bombshell of an article about pandering to HSBC</a> was to “refute” it as “full of inaccuracy and innuendo”.</p><p>It would say that, wouldn’t it? But what is the truth of his allegations about editorial being compromised by TMG’s desire to placate advertisers? </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/19/hsbc-and-the-daily-telegraph-allegations-that-require-answers">Continue reading...</a>MediaTelegraph Media GroupDaily TelegraphHSBCThe GuardianDaily MailThe TimesThe IndependentFinancial TimesHong KongChinaTescoBBCBarclay BrothersBankingNational newspapersNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesThu, 19 Feb 2015 12:17:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/19/hsbc-and-the-daily-telegraph-allegations-that-require-answersPhotograph: Screen grabHSBC stories on the Telegraph website, but some cannot be opened any longer.Photograph: Screen grabHSBC stories on the Telegraph website, but some cannot be opened any longer.Roy Greenslade2015-02-19T12:17:46ZDaily red-tops lose sales faster than their up-market rivalshttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/06/daily-red-tops-lose-sales-faster-than-their-up-market-rivals
<p>Latest ABC figures show slight acceleration in the rate of the newsprint market decline</p><p>Newspaper sales of the daily red-top tabloids are declining twice as fast as both the middle-market and up-market titles, according to the latest set of ABC figures.</p><p>The Sun, Daily Star and Daily Mirror together sold 10% fewer copies in January this year compared to the same month in 2014. By contrast, the Daily Mail and Daily Express were down 5.9% and the six papers (designated by ABC as quality titles) - the Times, Guardian, Independent, i, Financial Times and Daily Telegraph - sold 5.6% fewer than a year ago.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/06/daily-red-tops-lose-sales-faster-than-their-up-market-rivals">Continue reading...</a>MediaABCsNational newspapersThe GuardianThe ObserverThe TimesDaily TelegraphThe IndependentiFinancial TimesDaily MailDaily ExpressThe SunDaily MirrorDaily StarDaily Star SundaySunday MirrorThe PeopleMail on SundaySunday ExpressNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesPage 3Sunday TelegraphSunday TimesFri, 06 Feb 2015 13:22:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/06/daily-red-tops-lose-sales-faster-than-their-up-market-rivalsPhotograph: David Pearson / Alamy/AlamyDaily national newspaper sales have declined in the course of a year by 8%Photograph: David Pearson / Alamy/AlamyDaily national newspaper sales have declined in the course of a year by 8%Roy Greenslade2015-02-06T13:22:31ZEd Miliband suffers ferocious press onslaught - and it will get worsehttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/02/ed-miliband-suffers-ferocious-press-onslaught-and-it-will-get-worse
<p>Labour leader the butt of negative headlines as editors take advantage of internal dissent</p><p>If it wasn’t so serious, it would make you laugh out loud. The national newspaper assault on Ed Miliband and Labour has already reached absurd proportions more than two months ahead of the general election. </p><p>It is Michael Foot plus Neil Kinnock plus Gordon Brown and then some. No chance is being missed to heap scorn on Labour’s leader with a stream of critical and negative headlines. Editors are revelling in the chance to take advantage of what appears to be internal Labour dissent.</p><p>“With three months to go, ex-ministers led by Peter Mandelson and cheered on by Tony Blair himself, are lobbing grenades while the Tories sit back and enjoy the carnage. Everything has gone wrong under Ed Miliband …</p><p>Millionaire Labour donor John Mills yesterday denounced Miliband’s narrow-minded attack on private money and expertise to help the cash-strapped and chaotic health service. He joins a stream of ex-ministers with hands-on experience, such as Alan Milburn and John Hutton …</p><p>“Ever since he [Miliband] <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/jul/16/rupert-murdoch-ed-miliband-phone-hacking">took on Rupert Murdoch</a> [in July 2011] he has believed he can rewrite the rules of politics. There is nobility in that conviction, but also folly – for no person, however committed, can recast the system singlehandedly”.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/02/ed-miliband-suffers-ferocious-press-onslaught-and-it-will-get-worse">Continue reading...</a>MediaEd MilibandLabourNeil KinnockMichael FootGordon BrownNational newspapersSunday TelegraphDaily TelegraphDaily MailMail on SundayThe SunSun on SundayNews UKNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesDavid CameronRupert MurdochThe GuardianThe IndependentiDaily ExpressGeneral election 2015PoliticsUK newsDaily MirrorMon, 02 Feb 2015 10:25:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/feb/02/ed-miliband-suffers-ferocious-press-onslaught-and-it-will-get-worsePhotograph: ClipshareThe Telegraph.Photograph: ClipshareThe Telegraph.Photograph: ClipshareThe Mail on Sunday’s double page spreadPhotograph: ClipshareThe Mail on Sunday’s double page spreadRoy Greenslade2015-02-02T10:25:31ZChris Blackhurst leaves Independent and Standard multimedia job to take writing rolehttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/15/chris-blackhurst-leaves-independent-and-standard-multimedia-job-to-take-writing-role
<p>Former Independent editor is the highest profile casualty of a cost-cutting drive across all Lebedev titles<br></p><p>Chris Blackhurst, the former Independent editor, is leaving his senior editorial job at sister paper the London Evening Standard to take a writing role.<br /></p><p>He is the highest profile casualty to date <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/09/london-evening-standard-cut-editorial-roles">of a cost-cutting drive announced last week</a> that will see more than a dozen editorial roles go at the publisher of the Evening Standard, Independent, Independent on Sunday and the i.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/15/chris-blackhurst-leaves-independent-and-standard-multimedia-job-to-take-writing-role">Continue reading...</a>Chris BlackhurstLondon Evening StandardThe IndependentNational newspapersNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesRegional & local newspapersUK newsThu, 15 Jan 2015 16:41:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/15/chris-blackhurst-leaves-independent-and-standard-multimedia-job-to-take-writing-rolePhotograph: prStepping down … former Independent editor Chris Blackhurst.Photograph: prStepping down … former Independent editor Chris Blackhurst.Mark Sweney2015-01-15T16:41:12ZParis and the Charlie Hebdo rally - what the UK newspapers saidhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jan/12/paris-and-the-charlie-hebdo-rally-what-the-uk-newspapers-said
<p>Front page images, headlines of defiance and thoughtful leading articles</p><p>Most of today’s UK national newspapers’ front pages reflect the awesome turn-out for the “Je suis Charlie” rally in Paris and also convey the message it sends to the rest of the world.</p><p>Over images of the crowds, here are the headlines: Libert&eacute;, Egalit&eacute;, Fraternit&eacute; (the Independent); Liberty, equality, fraternity: France defies the terrorists (Daily Telegraph); A nation united against terror (the Guardian); United we stand (the Times); Liberated from terror (i); Magnifique (Daily Mirror); </p><p>“With supreme hypocrisy, Saudi Arabia joined the rush to condemn the Paris attacks. The truth is the enforcers of its Sharia assert, in common with the Paris gunmen, the bogus right ‘to offend, but not be offended’”.</p><p>“No one is so naive as to believe that one march will heal a troubled world. The firebombing of a German newspaper that dared to republish offensive cartoons of the prophet Mohammed shows how violence can inspire more violence. </p><p>In Nigeria, Syria and Iraq, the extremists of Boko Haram and Isis … continue to impose their wrong-headed version of Islam at the point of a gun.</p><p>“It is vital that France’s main political leaders do not respond by flirting with the politics of the far-right, making knee-jerk gestures on law and order. </p><p>Last week’s attacks, like many such atrocities, may have been conducted in the name of Islam. But it was heartening to see French Muslims at Sunday’s demonstration …</p><p>“Although the overwhelming majority of Muslims are rightly horrified by the atrocities committed in the name of Islam, some have been slow to tackle intolerance in their communities, allowing radicalism and militancy to breed.</p><p>For the safety of Muslims and non-Muslims alike, this reticence must end”.</p><p>“The murderers themselves, the people who train them, the people who fund them, the people who help them and the people who support them all have one thing in common. They all say they are acting in the name of Islam …</p><p>It may be unfair to normal, peace-loving Muslims. But it does no one any good – especially the majority of Muslims – to ignore reality”.</p><p>“Given world events over the past decade or so, the most obvious explanation is also the most plausible: the fate of Muslims in foreign conflicts played a role in radicalising these young men. </p><p>Working-class Parisians don’t go to Yemen for military training on a whim. Since their teens these young men have been raised on a nightly diet of illegal wars, torture and civilian massacres in the Gulf and the Middle East in which the victims have usually been Muslim”.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jan/12/paris-and-the-charlie-hebdo-rally-what-the-uk-newspapers-said">Continue reading...</a>MediaUK newsFranceEuropeWorld newsNational newspapersDaily TelegraphFinancial TimesThe IndependentThe TimesThe GuardianiMetroDaily MailDaily ExpressDaily StarDaily MirrorThe SunNewspapers & magazinesNewspapersFrançois HollandeParisCharlie Hebdo attackMon, 12 Jan 2015 08:59:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jan/12/paris-and-the-charlie-hebdo-rally-what-the-uk-newspapers-saidPhotograph: Public domainHow the press covered the rally and march in Paris after the Charlie Hebdo murdersPhotograph: Public domainHow the press covered the rally and march in Paris after the Charlie Hebdo murdersRoy Greenslade2015-01-12T08:59:00ZPublishing Muhammad cartoons would have been too risky, says Amol Rajanhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/08/charlie-hebdo-muhammad-cartoons-independent-amol-rajan
Editor of Independent newspaper said he had to balance principle with pragmatism, despite wanting to publish Charlie Hebdo cartoons on the front page<p>The editor of the Independent has said “every instinct” told him to publish the Charlie Hebdo cartoons caricaturing the prophet Muhammad but described it as “too much of a risk”.</p><p>The newspaper, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jan/08/what-the-uk-national-newspapers-said-about-the-charlie-hebdo-attack">along with the rest of the UK’s national press</a>, did not reprint any of the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/07/charlie-hebdo-satire-intimidation-analysis">satirical magazine’s caricatures of Muhammad or the cartoons from Denmark’s Jyllands-Posten, with which Charlie Hebdo first provoked international outrage in 2006</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/jan/08/charlie-hebdo-shooting-several-arrests-in-manhunt-for-suspects-live-updates">Charlie Hebdo attack: French police descend on town in hunt for gunmen - live</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/08/charlie-hebdo-muhammad-cartoons-independent-amol-rajan">Continue reading...</a>The IndependentIndependent News & MediaNewspapers & magazinesMediaNational newspapersNewspapersAmol RajanCharlie Hebdo attackWorld newsFreedom of speechThu, 08 Jan 2015 14:03:17 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/08/charlie-hebdo-muhammad-cartoons-independent-amol-rajanPhotograph: The IndependentThe Independent went with a striking cartoon by Dave Brown.Photograph: The IndependentThe Independent went with a striking cartoon by Dave Brown.John Plunkett2015-01-08T14:03:17ZWhat the UK national newspapers said about the Charlie Hebdo attackhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jan/08/what-the-uk-national-newspapers-said-about-the-charlie-hebdo-attack
<p>British press is united in outrage at the murderous attack on a French magazine</p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/08/charlie-hebdo-french-police-name-suspects-as-massive-manhunt-continues">Live blog: get the latest on the arrest of suspects</a></p><p>Britain’s national press is united in outrage. Their front page headlines show that all view the murder of 10 journalists and two police officers at the offices of the magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris in similar terms. </p><p>‘Attack on freedom’ (The Times). ‘The war on freedom’ (Daily Mail). ‘War on freedom’ (Daily Telegraph). ‘An assault on democracy’ (The Guardian). A cartoon in the Independent, showing a pen dipped in blood with a raised finger, indicates defiance. </p><p>“While he lived he upheld a priceless tradition of broad and often brutal satire, no punches pulled, no prisoners taken. He and his colleagues were equal opportunity offenders. </p><p>Islamists were often their targets precisely because of their unconscionable threats and spurious claim to special status. But so were Catholic clergy, cardinals, the Pope and, for what it’s worth, the British”.</p><p>“To most people brought up in western Europe, such satire is the stuff of living in a free country. But we do not doubt that it is offensive to many Muslims, just as Christian and Jews are affronted if their religions are traduced, even if they do not react in such an extreme way.</p><p>Free speech offers latitude but not necessarily license. It does not follow that because many newspapers, such as this one, do not publish cartoons of Mohammed that somehow we have been intimidated into not speaking out. </p><p>“Such depictions are, of course, blasphemy to most Muslims, but far from relenting, the editors played double or nothing, going on to produce such provocations as a special issue ‘guest-edited’ by the prophet.</p><p>To the devout, including very many who are as peace-loving as they are pious, all this was deeply offensive. And, in a way, that was the intention: satire has to shock.</p><p>“In any democratic society, there should always be room for a civilised debate about taste and propriety when it comes to the mockery of any religious faith. </p><p>But what cannot be challenged is the fundamental right of all citizens to express themselves freely within the law. In an age marked by growth in religious belief and the increasing politicisation of faith, all religion must be open to opinion, analysis and lampoonery … <br /></p><p>“Here, an obvious point bears repetition: neither Hebdo’s editors nor its staff hold an ounce of responsibility for ‘provoking’ the assassins, as has been suggested in some quarters. </p><p>There can be no rhyme, reason or righteousness in murdering civilians. From the 1989 fatwa on Salman Rushdie to that issued on Geert Wilders, the Islamophobic Dutch politician, the cry of ‘death to blasphemers’ has no place in the modern world”.</p><p>“They live by an outdated code that allows the execution of non-believers – which they carry out with relish. They cannot be understood. Only condemned, protected against and fought …</p><p>Ultimately, it is vital for moderate Muslims to expose and combat extremism in their communities. They must steer their kids away from the evil, insane idea that Allah wants them to kill in his name. They must teach them too that free speech is a cornerstone of our democracy”.</p><p>“We believe passionately that if liberty is to mean anything, it must include the freedom to mock, offend or question the beliefs of others, within the limits of democratically decided law.</p><p>On any other day, the Mail would feel only distaste for a French magazine with a history of sniggering at faiths held sacred by billions worldwide.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jan/08/what-the-uk-national-newspapers-said-about-the-charlie-hebdo-attack">Continue reading...</a>MediaFranceEuropeNational newspapersNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesThe GuardianThe IndependentFinancial TimesThe TimesDaily TelegraphDaily MailThe SunDaily ExpressDaily StarMetroDaily MirrorNorthern & ShellThu, 08 Jan 2015 08:37:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jan/08/what-the-uk-national-newspapers-said-about-the-charlie-hebdo-attackPhotograph: Mark Smith for the GuardianHow the UK national papers covered the Charlie Hebdo attack.Photograph: Mark Smith for the GuardianHow the UK national papers covered the Charlie Hebdo attack.Roy Greenslade2015-01-08T08:37:56ZPrince Andrew story runs and runs - but editors should bewarehttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jan/05/prince-andrew-story-runs-and-runs-but-editors-should-beware
<p>Who can know whether the allegations by an alleged ‘sex slave’ are truthful? </p><p>The Prince Andrew story will not lie down despite Buckingham Palace’s unprecedented issuing of “categorical” denials and its <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jan/04/prince-andrew-denies-underage-sex-claims-buckingham-palace">scramble “to quell the growing crisis.”</a></p><p>For the third day running, with very few new facts available since it first broke, it has secured big coverage again today.<br /></p><p>“He should have known better than to befriend Epstein, let alone have the muttonheaded loyalty to stroll publicly with him after his release from prison...</p><p>But Prince Andrew dazzles easily when confronted with immense wealth and apparent power. He has fallen for ‘friendships’ with bad, corrupt and clever men, not only in the US but in Libya, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tunisia, wherever.”</p><p>“The palace has never denied that he has, for years, been cavorting with insalubrious billionaires and vicious autocrats. Human rights? Why should an ageing, playboy prince care about those? </p><p>Prince Charles is matey with Arab despots too. The next time you feel the urge to denounce Robert Mugabe, remember these royal appeasers. Yes Blair, Clinton and Bush also had unsavoury friendships. But they lost power, eventually. Our royals can carry on sleazing indefinitely.”</p><p>“Imagine what the reaction would be if, say, Tony Blair stopped the BBC from broadcasting a critical programme on his activities. Britons would be outraged. But with the royal family, there is only quiet acquiescence. We are subjects after all, the great brainwashed”.</p><p>“We will not have a credible meritocracy until this unholy edifice is dismantled. I know monarchists will say privileged families are found in strong republics too and that this system gives us stability and unity. All bosh. </p><p>Wealth is indeed passed on by the rich everywhere, but they are not subsided by their nations, and they are not revered”.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jan/05/prince-andrew-story-runs-and-runs-but-editors-should-beware">Continue reading...</a>MediaPrince AndrewMonarchyNational newspapersDaily ExpressDaily MailDaily MirrorThe SunDaily StarThe IndependentThe GuardianDaily TelegraphThe TimesMetroUS newsWorld newsUK newsMazher MahmoodNews of the WorldMail on SundayRepublicanismBBCNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesMon, 05 Jan 2015 12:14:30 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jan/05/prince-andrew-story-runs-and-runs-but-editors-should-bewarePhotograph: CHINA DAILY/REUTERSThe royal envoy at work: Prince Andrew speaking at the Harrow international school in Beijing in October 2014.Photograph: CHINA DAILY/REUTERSThe royal envoy at work: Prince Andrew speaking at the Harrow international school in Beijing in October 2014.Roy Greenslade2015-01-05T12:14:30ZJohann Hari: ‘I failed badly. When you harm people, you should shut up, go away and reflect on what happened'http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/02/johann-hari-interview-drugs-book-independent
<p>He was the Independent’s star columnist whose lying and cheating destroyed his career. Now Johann Hari is back, with a book about drug-taking – including his own. But will anyone believe a word of it?</p><p>When I heard that <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/johann-hari">Johann Hari</a> had written a book about the war on drugs, two immediate concerns sprang to mind. The first was whether anyone would trust a word he wrote.</p><p>The author used to be the Independent’s star columnist, a prolific polemicist and darling of the left, until his career imploded in disgrace when it emerged in 2011 that many of his articles contained quotes apparently said to him but in fact lifted from his interviewees’ books, or from previous interviews by other journalists. Worse, he was exposed as a “sockpuppet”, or someone who anonymously furthers his own interests online. Using a false identity, Hari had maliciously amended the Wikipedia pages of journalists he disliked – among them the Telegraph columnist <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/cristina-odone/">Cristina Odone </a>and the Observer’s <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/profile/nickcohen">Nick Cohen</a> – accusing them of antisemitism, homophobia and other toxic falsehoods. Under the same pseudonym, he had also edited his own Wikipedia page, lavishly flattering his profile to, as he puts it, “big myself up”. The Independent suspended him, four months later he resigned, and no British newspaper has published his journalism since. He has never spoken publicly about the scandal, until now.</p><p>The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is human connection</p><p>Child abuse is as likely to cause drug addiction as obesity is to cause heart disease</p><p>I’m ashamed of what I did. I did some things that were really nasty and cruel</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/02/johann-hari-interview-drugs-book-independent">Continue reading...</a>Johann HariMediaBooksCultureThe IndependentNewspapers & magazinesNational newspapersNewspapersRussell BrandDrugsSocietyFri, 02 Jan 2015 14:30:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/02/johann-hari-interview-drugs-book-independentPhotograph: Richard SakerJohann Hari: “I want to make it clear that I’m not in any way attributing anything I did to that drug use. They are totally separate things.”Photograph: Richard SakerJohann Hari: “I want to make it clear that I’m not in any way attributing anything I did to that drug use. They are totally separate things.”Photograph: Richard Saker for the GuardianJohann Hari: “The mystery is why someone so clever could have behaved so stupidly.” Photograph: Richard Saker for the GuardianPhotograph: Richard Saker for the GuardianJohann Hari: “The mystery is why someone so clever could have behaved so stupidly.” Photograph: Richard Saker for the GuardianDecca Aitkenhead2015-01-02T14:30:13ZEbola 'panic' headlines fail to convey the humanity of volunteershttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/dec/31/ebola-panic-headlines-fail-to-convey-the-humanity-of-volunteers
<p>Some newspapers exaggerate the UK drama... but all ask pertinent questions</p><p>Don’t panic over Ebola, <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/sun_says/4508014/The-Sun-Says.html">said the Sun today.</a> It was seeking to place in perspective the fact that a single British nurse, Pauline Cafferkey, had been diagnosed with the “hideous and fatal disease”.</p><p>The paper, in company with<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2891980/DAILY-MAIL-COMMENT-Taking-needless-risks-deadly-virus.html"> the Daily Mail</a> and <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/ebola-in-britain-the-first-case-diagnosed-here-will-cause-alarm--but-we-should-keep-our-exposure-in-perspective-9950960.html">the Independent</a>, contended that “the panic in Britain over Ebola is out of all proportion to its risk to us.”</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/dec/31/ebola-panic-headlines-fail-to-convey-the-humanity-of-volunteers">Continue reading...</a>MediaEbolaNational newspapersNewspapersThe GuardianThe IndependentDaily TelegraphThe TimesFinancial TimesDaily ExpressDaily StarDaily MirrorDaily MailThe SunHealthSierra LeoneUK newsAfricaNewspapers & magazinesWed, 31 Dec 2014 13:26:27 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/dec/31/ebola-panic-headlines-fail-to-convey-the-humanity-of-volunteersPhotograph: Handout/PAPauline Cafferkey, the Scottish nurse who has contracted Ebola.Photograph: Handout/PAPauline Cafferkey, the Scottish nurse who has contracted Ebola.Roy Greenslade2014-12-31T13:26:27ZNewspaper sales fall by 7.5%, but the Times bucks the downward trendhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/dec/05/newspaper-sales-fall-by-9-but-the-times-bucks-the-downward-trend
<p>Latest ABC figures record continuing overall decline among the national titles</p><p>Last month, November, the daily national newspapers sold an average of 7,023,738 copies a day, according to the latest official circulation audit by ABC. In the same month in 2013, the 11 titles jointly sold 7,596,192 - a 12-month fall of just over 7.5%.</p><p>That sales fall is mirrored at the Sunday titles too, and together those figures illustrate the now regular pattern of overall newsprint decline.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/dec/05/newspaper-sales-fall-by-9-but-the-times-bucks-the-downward-trend">Continue reading...</a>MediaThe TimesThe GuardianDaily TelegraphThe IndependentFinancial TimesSunday TimesThe SunDaily MailDaily ExpressDaily MirrorSun on SundayThe ObserverNational newspapersNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesNews UKSunday TelegraphThe PeopleFri, 05 Dec 2014 13:43:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/dec/05/newspaper-sales-fall-by-9-but-the-times-bucks-the-downward-trendPhotograph: News UKNews UK’s card with a morale-boosting message in its cartoonPhotograph: News UKNews UK’s card with a morale-boosting message in its cartoonRoy Greenslade2014-12-05T13:43:10ZBBC and (some) newspapers are more trusted than politicianshttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/27/bbc-and-some-newspapers-are-more-trusted-than-politicians
<p>Poll puts corporation and ‘upmarket’ press top of trust table</p><p>More people trust the BBC and “upmarket” daily newspapers to tell the truth than they do politicians and the rest of the national press, according to a YouGov poll carried out on behalf of the London Press Club.</p><p>[By up-market, the pollsters mean the Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Independent and Financial Times].</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/27/bbc-and-some-newspapers-are-more-trusted-than-politicians">Continue reading...</a>MediaDamian McBrideSunday MirrorNews of the WorldDaily TelegraphThe GuardianThe IndependentThe TimesFinancial TimesNational newspapersNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesGordon BrownRobert PestonOpinion pollsRupert MurdochThu, 27 Nov 2014 09:51:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/27/bbc-and-some-newspapers-are-more-trusted-than-politiciansPhotograph: Press clubDamian McBride, Anne McElvoy and Michael Hayman at the London Press Club debatePhotograph: Press clubDamian McBride, Anne McElvoy and Michael Hayman at the London Press Club debateRoy Greenslade2014-11-27T09:51:51ZRochester and Strood byelection? The newspapers don't seem to have noticedhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/17/national-newspapers-newspapers
<strong>Roy Greenslade</strong> notes the sparse national press coverage given to Thursday's byelection in Rochester and Strood<p>Psst! Wanna know a secret? There's a byelection in Rochester and Strood this week. But you would never know that from today's national newspapers.</p><p>Although papers have previously called it a &quot;crucial battle&quot;, the coverage has gradually dwindled away over the past week or so. Yet it is surely crucial because it may double the number of Ukip MPs in the Commons and has the potential to trigger further Tory defections.</p><p>&quot;There is nothing unpatriotic about wanting to keep our democracy, sovereignty and heritage. If we remain in the EU there will ultimately be no Britain. If we maintain uncontrolled immigration, there will be no British identity...</p><p>Both main parties could suffer a permanent, catastrophic decline in support, which would be no more than they deserve after the way they have misgoverned Britain.&quot;</p><p>&quot;Not since Simon de Montfort and his knights rode into Rochester Cathedral on Good Friday 1264 and stabled their horses in the pews of the ancient church has this north Kent town commanded the attention of so many political bigwigs.&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/17/national-newspapers-newspapers">Continue reading...</a>MediaPoliticsNational newspapersNewspapersConservativesUK Independence party (Ukip)LabourDavid CameronEd MilibandNigel FarageByelectionsDaily TelegraphThe TimesThe GuardianFinancial TimesThe IndependentIndependent on SundayiDaily MailDaily ExpressThe SunDaily MirrorJohn MajorSky NewsMon, 17 Nov 2014 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/17/national-newspapers-newspapersGareth Fuller/PAMark Reckless, the Ukip candidate in Rochester and Strood. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PAGareth Fuller/PAMark Reckless, Ukip Candidate for Rochester and Strood Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PARoy Greenslade2014-11-17T09:46:00ZThe Sun slips below 2m daily sale for the first time in 43 yearshttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/07/sun-abcs
<p>The Sun slipped below the 2m sales mark in October, with an average daily sale of 1,978,324 copies. The last time it sold fewer than 2m was 43 years ago, in early 1971.</p><p>It does qualify as something of a landmark moment but it's important to put it in perspective. Firstly, the majority of papers are selling fewer copies than they did in 1971.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/07/sun-abcs">Continue reading...</a>MediaThe SunABCsNational newspapersNewspapersFinancial TimesThe TimesThe GuardianThe ObserverDaily TelegraphSunday TelegraphThe IndependentiDaily MirrorDaily StarDaily MailFri, 07 Nov 2014 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/07/sun-abcsThe SunThe Sun front page. Photograph: The SunThe SunThe Sun front page. Photograph: The SunRoy Greenslade2014-11-07T15:37:00ZCommission refuses to register press regulation funder as a charityhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/05/press-regulation-charities
<p>An attempt to create a charity to fund the independent press regulator Impress has been rejected. The Charity Commission refused to register an organisation called the Independent Press Regulation Trust (IPRT).</p><p>The application was turned down initially in May this year and the IPRT called for a review. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/368255/The_Independent_Press_Regulation_Trust_-_final_decision.pdf">The commission issued a document last Tuesday (28 October)</a> in which it explained why, following that review, it was standing by its original decision.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/05/press-regulation-charities">Continue reading...</a>MediaPress regulationCharitiesIpsoNewspapersNational newspapersRegional & local newspapersMagazinesJK RowlingIan McEwanTerry GilliamDavid HareMichael FraynThe GuardianThe IndependentFinancial TimesPrivate EyeThe EconomistWed, 05 Nov 2014 14:47:55 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/05/press-regulation-charitiesRoy Greenslade2014-11-05T14:47:55ZEnglish PEN calls for review of 'chilling' press regulation legislationhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/05/press-regulation-press-freedom
<p>English PEN, the free speech and literature charity, is calling for a review of legislation underpinning press regulation.</p><p>It has raised concerns, <a href="http://www.englishpen.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Who_joins_the_regulator_5_Nov_2014_English_PEN.pdf">in a report issued today</a>, about the creation of a new class of publisher, as defined in the 2013 crime and courts act. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/05/press-regulation-press-freedom">Continue reading...</a>MediaPress regulationPress freedomLeveson inquiryLord Justice LevesonNational newspapersRegional & local newspapersNewspapersMagazinesNewspapers & magazinesIpsoThe GuardianThe IndependentFinancial TimesPrivate EyeThe EconomistWed, 05 Nov 2014 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/nov/05/press-regulation-press-freedomRoy Greenslade2014-11-05T00:01:00Z